Senior Courts Act 2016

Introduction

You could also call this:

"Bringing Laws Together for New Zealand's Courts"

This Act has several purposes. You will see it brings together laws from the Judicature Act 1908 and the Supreme Court Act 2003 into one statute. It also continues the High Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court. You will find this Act sets out how these courts work. It covers things like their constitution and jurisdiction, practice and procedure, and judicial officers. This includes how officers are selected, appointed, and what conditions they work under. This Act also makes provision for other related matters. It aims to improve the transparency of court arrangements while keeping judicial independence. This Act does not change New Zealand's commitment to the rule of law and the sovereignty of Parliament.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM5759202.

This page was last updated on 9 February 2026 — View changes

Highlights from this law

15: When civil proceeding to be tried before Judge alone

When a civil case is heard by a Judge alone in the High Court

16: Certain civil proceedings may be tried by High Court Judge with jury

Some civil cases can be tried with a jury, like defamation or false imprisonment cases.

41: Witness not required to attend hearing of civil proceeding unless allowances and expenses paid

You don't have to go to court unless you get paid for your time and travel.

44: High Court may require person to undergo medical examination

The High Court can ask you to see a doctor for a medical check.

87: Appointment of Registrar, Deputy Registrar, and other officers of Supreme Court

Who helps run the Supreme Court?

93: Attorney-General to publish information concerning judicial appointment process

How Judges are Chosen: Information from the Attorney-General

135: Remuneration of Judges

How Much Judges Get Paid

163: Court of Appeal and Supreme Court may appoint technical advisers

Courts can get expert help from technical advisers for special cases.

Topics:

Crime and justice > Courts and legal help

1: Title, or

"The name of this law is the Senior Courts Act 2016"

Senior Courts Act 2016

Reprint as at:: 2026-02-01
Assent:: 2016-10-17
Commencement:: see section 2

The Parliamentary Counsel Office has made editorial and format changes to this version using the powers under subpart 2 of Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019.

Note 4 at the end of this version provides a list of the amendments included in it.

This Act is administered by the Ministry of Justice.